Lessons on Leadership from the Little Things in Life: You Don’t Always See the Help That Was Needed
Life is full of examples that teach us lessons. That’s why stories and illustrations make learning so much more effective. When a story can be used to illustrate or demonstrate a valuable lesson, the story makes it much more understandable, relatable, and memorable. With that in mind, I want to take some time to do just that – share examples of circumstances and stories experienced in everyday life which illustrate leadership lessons that we can learn and apply. This is one of those examples, and it teaches us that you don’t always see the help that was needed (or that was given!).
I was reminded of this when I had a video meeting for work. It was early in the morning, and I wanted my wife to be able to rest while I was meeting, but I was also watching our grandchildren. So, I made sure I had everything prepared for them to be entertained while I was on the call. I had some of their favorite independent activities out and set up, I had snacks for them, and I had made sure that they had used the bathroom. I was sure that I had everything all set. Because I was sure that everything was good, I was focused on the meeting and did not notice when one of them needed some help with something, and went into the other room where my wife was resting. My wife woke up to help them with what was needed, and then she graciously entertained them until I was done with my meeting. Because I didn’t hear any commotion and I was focused on the meeting, I did not even realize this was happening until the meeting was over.
What this showed me was that I needed some help that I didn’t know I needed, and I received help that I didn’t know I had gotten. Without even being aware of it, a grandchild needed assistance, and my wife stepped in and took care of it. I want to interject here that my wife has been this kind of partner for me my entire married life. She has always helped me in so many ways, usually behind the scenes, because she loves me and wants me to succeed. I also want to be clear that there was no emergency, and my grandchildren were not in danger of any harm, but it was still a great example of receiving help when I wasn’t even aware it was happening.
In retrospect, I can see this has been true throughout my life. In both my life and in my work, there have often been ways in which I have been helped without being aware of it. Sometimes I didn’t know I needed it until I was right in the middle of the circumstance, and then I was grateful that it was there. Other times, I didn’t know it had happened and I only learned about it afterwards, and I was humbled by that. Therefore, because of those experiences, I am absolutely certain that there were also other times about which I never knew and still don’t to this day. As I reflect on this, I think of four lessons that this shows me from my own experience that I hope are just as valuable for you:
- Be humble enough to recognize that you have needed and received help. Sometimes you’ve needed help even when you didn’t think you did. Be courageous and confident enough to understand that, and be willing to recognize and accept it.
- Give appreciation when you see that you have been helped. You may not always be aware that it has happened, but when you are, you need to express gratitude.
- Be thankful even if you didn’t see it. Often you have received help without your knowledge because someone has a true motive of service and love, and didn’t want the recognition. Accept the fact that you may have received help and be glad that you did.
- Do the same for others. Remember that others have helped you succeed, even if or when you did not know they were doing it. You ought to willing to do the same, and with the right heart.
That’s the lesson on leadership from this little thing in life, from my wife stepping in to help with the grandkids when I did not even know it was happening. You have been helped many times and in many ways throughout your life, just like I have. Sometimes you have been aware of it, but other times you have not. Regardless of whether you knew it or not, be grateful it was there and be willing to do the same for others.
